The Monster Energy NASCAR Cup Series hit the Richmond International Raceway for another round of short track action this weekend. Rarely can a race be summed up in one or two words, but if we were to try, penalty-fest would be a top prospect. Between speeding on pit road and running over the commitment cone… er commitment box… or is it a square?
Whatever you call it, there were a few drivers who probably had a few choice words to describe the small square near the entrance to pit road. Throw in a loose lugnut or two and you’ve got a recipe for a few more penalties and dozens of headaches. As Kyle Busch referred to it, the “balls and strikes” seemed to lean heavily toward strikes on Sunday afternoon. However, Joey Logano made no such mistakes. He even managed to avoid running over the orange thing en route to his first win of the 2017 season.
As for the newest Power Rankings, our contributors looked to compile their lists penalty-free. Now, no one is saying that they don’t have a few lugnuts loose. But those have nothing to do with wheels on a car. So, how did they do? Did we manage to put together a flawless list in accordance with the fans’ rules and regulations? Or will we be sent to the penalty box for rankings detrimental to the sport? You get to play the role of official today. Hopefully, we won’t need to exercise our right to appeal.
How the Rankings Are Calculated: Frontstretch does our power rankings similar to how the Associated Press does them for basketball or football. Our expert stable of NASCAR writers, both on staff and from other major publications will vote for the Top 10 on a 10-9-8-7… 3-2-1 basis, giving 10 points to their first-place driver, 9 for second, and so on. In the end, Frank Velat calculates the points, adds some funny one-liners, and… here you go!
Rank |
Change |
Name |
Total Votes |
1 |
 +5 |
 Brad KeselowskiForget 10 more laps. The way he was catching the No. 22, I’d say he only needed three more laps. Bryan Gable, Frontstretch First Place Votes: 4 |
58 |
2 |
 -1 |
 Kyle LarsonYou know you’re running better when you finish 14th and wonder how the day went so terribly wrong. Frank Velat, Frontstretch  First Place Votes: 1 |
52 |
3 |
 Joey Logano
|
42 |
|
4 |
 Martin Truex Jr
|
35 |
|
5 |
 -3 | 
Jimmie Johnson
|
34 |
6 |
 -1 |
 The No. 24 team hasn’t been firing on all cylinders as of late but Chase Elliott and crew chief Alan Gustafson will right their ship in good time. Rob Tiongson |
24 |
7 |
 +3 |
 Jamie McMurray
|
23 |
8 |
 Kevin HarvickWith Talladega and Kansas coming up, do not be surprised if the No. 4 team visits Victory Lane soon. Bryan Gable |
22 |
|
9 |
 -2 |
 Clint Bowyer
|
15 |
10 |
 |
 Ryan BlaneyForget the team’s recent slump, his second-place finish at the Daytona 500 will pay dividends at Talladega for the Wood Brothers. Brent Jones
|
8 |
Others Receiving Votes: Kyle Busch (6); Denny Hamlin (3); Trevor Bayne (3); Ricky Stenhouse Jr (2); Matt Kenseth (2)
Who Voted: Bryan Gable, Frontstretch; Michael Massie, Frontstretch; Frank Velat, Frontstretch; Brent Jones, Tha Sports Junkies 101; Rob Tiongson, The Podium Finish; Pete McCole, Auto Racing 1
About the author
Frank Velat has been an avid follower of NASCAR and other motorsports for over 20 years. He brings a blend of passionate fan and objective author to his work. Frank offers unique perspectives that everyone can relate to, remembering the sport's past all the while embracing its future. Follow along with @FrankVelat on Twitter.
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